relative honorifics; relative respectful speech
Linguistic term for honorific usage that depends on the social relationship between speaker, listener, and referent, rather than absolute status. Contrasts with 絶対敬語 (absolute honorifics).
Japanese honorifics are said to have a system of relative honorifics.
In relative honorifics, expressions change depending on the relationship between the speaker and the listener.
絶対敬語 (absolute honorifics) is based on fixed social rank or status, while 相対敬語 shifts according to the interpersonal context.
敬語 is the general term for honorific language; 相対敬語 specifies the relative type within that broader category.
Compound of 相対 (relative) and 敬語 (honorific language). A modern linguistic term, likely coined in Japanese academic contexts to describe honorific systems.